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To kick of the series, we're going to start with a few of my favorite sophisticated children's spaces and see how they put the three elements that I talked about yesterday to good use. I'll start with this colorful, yet sophisticated space of Ramya Giangola and Chiara over on THE GLOW:

Color Palette - is one of the biggest things that makes this room read 'child'. Separately, any of the important items in this room could easily fit into an adult space - the chevron bedspread, the floral rug or the abstract art . Even the chairs are very grown-up looking. None of these pieces necessarily read 'kid' on their own, but together the bold color palette created by all of these items makes this space just right for a fun-loving little one.

Whimsical Touches - stuffed animals, toy dinosaurs, and a playful garland all add to the childlike feel of the room

Statement Piece - Without the bold large-scale abstract art, the space would still be playful, but a little too monochromatic. This colors of this piece in combination with the rest of the space really shout, "This room is playful!" And playful = perfect for a child.

Next up is a room created by Palmer Weiss that I found in Lonny Magazine:

Color Palette - The main pieces in this room are very formal - the valanced drapes, upholstered headboards, bolster pillows, and tailored bedding are all very sophisticated and adult. It's the color palette that really makes this room come to life. Bold oranges and soft pinks rescue what could have quickly become a very stuffy child's room.

Whimsical Touches - A couple of ruffled pillows, a fun modern pendant and a few childish knick knacks on the dresser/nightstand are all it takes to add a little childish whimsy to the space.

Statement Piece - The stand-out pieces in this room are definitely the two photographs hanging above the beds. In case the color story and childish touches didn't win you over, these pieces let you know without a doubt that children live here. (And the sunglasses are a great and unexpected touch).

And last (for today), but certainly not least is this beautiful and sophisticated nursery from Samantha Farjo found over on Decor Pad:

Color Palette - This room is mostly neutral, however the pops of springy green in the space help to add life to what would otherwise be a dull color palette for a baby.

Whimsical Touches - The birdcage pendant, stuffed animals, elephant toy, and polka-dot pillow all add those important childish elements to this elegant room.

Statement Piece - The bold botanical wallpaper would look right at home in an adult space, but the spring green colorway and climbing vines pattern add interest and movement to the quiet solids of the rest of the room.

What do you think of the first three rooms? Do you think that they work well as children's space? What do you think makes them work (or not)?

Don't forget about safety! I do worry sometimes when I see sophisticated baby spaces and think that their designers have forgotten that small children actually have to live in the rooms. Long drapes to climb on, lamps on low tables, cribs heaped with pillows and nick-nacks crammed into every corner are not always prudent. Of course, a room might be styled for a picture in a way that it is never used in real life, but yeah... I hope parents don't neglect safety in pursuit of the perfect space.

Sometimes simplicity is the best, both for elegance and for safety as the third picture clearly illustrates.

I like that all three have bright colors, toys, and visual interest. I'd love to know what other items you think are important for kids' spaces - it's the whole reason I'm doing the series! To find out what you think. Especially from the experts - I'm sure you have a lot of ideas as an early childhood educator that others may not think of.

Pics 1 and 5 here http://wifestylefiles.blogspot.com/2009/03/still-obsessing-over-childrens-bedrooms.html Great ideas here http://interiordesignstyles.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/creative-ideas-for-childrens-bedrooms/These examples are both beautiful and child friendly. I think the key is for a child's room to look inviting; lots of texture and not too neat.And in addition, if it can be worked in (maybe this is more for a playroom than a bedroom), children I work with everyday love shelving in their reach with polished stones, model animals, people figurines, blocks, leggo, fabric, books, paper, textas, music....not the carefully stylised and complimentary coloured objects we usually see in style blogs. By the way, I loved Violet's nursery and your sense of taste. I think you do children's spaces beautifully.